KHS soccer looks to un-blank the banner

Lady Tigers heading into district tournament in midst of record-setting season.

KIRKSVILLE – Coming off the most successful season in the short history of the program the Lady Tigers are entering the Class 2 District 8 Soccer Tournament as the second seed.

Kirksville enters the postseason with 14 wins and a school record nine NCMC wins.

"Our goal is to get as far as we can. Our goal is to un-blank the banner, we want to put up the first championship on that girls soccer banner that hangs in the gym. It will be tough, but I feel like at this point it is something we are capable of doing," said Kirksville head coach Shawn Meintz.

The Lady Tigers start play on Tuesday when they face rival Moberly (7-9-2) at 7 p.m. in Moberly. KHS went 1-1 against the Lady Spartans this season with both teams winning on the other teams home field. The district tournament takes place at Moberly.

"Moberly is a good team and they bring a lot to the table. This is one of those teams where historically we haven't done very well against them, but this season has been about re-writing our history. We have done that in a lot of ways, and I think we have a pretty good chance against them," said Meintz.

Moberly and Kirksville swapped home dates this season due to field conditions in Moberly. The Lady Spartans visited Kirksville on March 24 and the two teams played in horrible conditions that saw MHS win on a somewhat controversial goal.

"I think we have learned a lot since then and I'm pretty sure we know what it takes to beat them and I am confident in this team to go out and play our game and give them a good run," said Meintz.

If the ladies can get by MHS they will more than likely get a re-match with their other big rival, Hannibal (15-5).

The Pirates will face the winner of the play-in game between Mexico (5-12) and Marshall (0-13) prior to the Moberly and Kirksville game.

"We really haven't faced Hannibal with our full team yet. The first game we had six players out, including two starters. The second game it was a very similar situation. It will be good to face them with a full-strength squad," said Meintz.

Kirksville has as much talent as Hannibal or any team in the tournament with players like Kallie Holte, Jordyn Allen, and Emily Schwend, but it takes more than superstars to win a championship.

"There are 11 players on the field and we don't think we have a weak spot that can be exploited. Yes, we have girls that are having outstanding seasons, but without the other players around them we wouldn't be having as much success as we are," said Meintz.

One of the players who doesn't get a lot of attention and was out for both of the previous games against the Pirates is Cassie Novinger. She missed all but nine games this season due to a foot injury, and the Lady Tigers are allowing a goal a game less with her on the field.

"Having her in the lineup is a huge benefit for us because she is calm on the ball and can move it around," said Meintz.